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Khosh Amadin

Home to over 75 million people, Iran is the second largest country in the Middle East. Known as Persia until 1935, Iran occupies the large plateau located between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf, sharing borders with Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Iran is a land with an intricate tapestry of both modern and ancient influence. Evidence of one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations is found in Iran. Today, the capital, Tehran is a busy metropolis situated at the foot of the lofty Alborz mountain range.

Iran boasts a sophisticated culture, where poets and poetry are highly valued, with Persian epic poetry sung to traditional accompaniments. Life in Iran reflects a rich cultural heritage with traditional events that have been evident for centuries.

An Iranian proverb says, "Every man goes down to his death bearing in his hands only that which he has given away"... such is the heart of these hospitable people.

Iran's central plateau is actually a tectonic plate. The geology is highly unstable, creating frequent earthquakes. Operation Mercy began working in Iran in response to the earthquake disaster in Qazvin in 2002, then in Bam in 2003, and has continued to respond with both relief and development projects.

Operation Mercy

Who we are

Operation Mercy is an international relief and development organization headquartered in Sweden. We are a community of professionals who serve the poor and marginalized of Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa through an array of community development and humanitarian aid projects.